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Archival description area

Name of creator

Biographical history

Fred Ryckman was born in eastern Canada in 1888. As a youth he moved with his family to the Kootenay region of British Columbia where he remained for the rest of his life, residing first in Creston then in Cranbrook. In 1912 Ryckman began his career with the Department of Indian Affairs serving as a constable in that department. During this period he also served in the position of Indian Farm Instructor. In 1931 Ryckman was promoted to the position of Indian Agent, a post he was to hold until his death in 1935. During the twenty-three years of his employment with the Department of Indian Affairs, Ryckman took an active interest in the language and culture of the people with whom he was working, a fact which is reflected in his papers.

Custodial history

Scope and content

The fonds consists of records created by Ryckman during his tenure with the Department of Indian Affairs, primarily from the 1920s and 30s. The fonds includes contact sheets made as copies of photographs that remain in possession of Ryckman’s heirs. Records in the fonds take the form of notes and correspondence. Also included in records is a ledger which contains census information. The fonds also includes photocopies of newspaper articles relating to members of the First Nations whom Ryckman came into contact with as a result of his work as well as materials relating to Ryckman himself.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Records were donated to the museum by A.R. Ryckman along with five objects in 1996. The material was placed in the archives backlog and was accessioned in 2002. Rosemary Maclean, Ryckman’s daughter, formalized the gift agreement for the archival materials in 2005.

Arrangement

Language of material

Script of material

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Finding aids

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Accruals

Conservation

Contact prints have been made of the 121 negatives. Preservation photocopies have been made of the ledger.